This page is a machine translation from Estonian, made with Claude (Anthropic AI). The working language of this site is Estonian; if the texts differ, the Estonian original applies. Eesti keeles
RootsJuhan Lepik — from nature conservationist to entrepreneur
The life of my father Juhan Lepik (1943–1995) as a timeline. Record-keeping at the time was haphazard compared with today, so I compiled his life story from coverage in Estonian newspapers, using the digital archive DIGAR. Alongside are the traces of his comrade-in-arms August Kilk and the background of general history.
Contact
Tiit Lepik
Information technologist
Language: Estonian. I use machine translation for other languages.
tiit.lepik.71@gmail.com
https://lepik.co
Tehase tn 1, 74604 Kiiu, Kuusalu Parish, Harju County, Estonia
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8LxfQmDbNWSsSb476
By bus: stop “Kuusalu kool” (https://peatus.ee/), then about 1 km along the cycle and footpath.
Tickets: from the driver in cash or with the Ühiskaart card – https://pilet.ee/et/card-info.
Invoices: Ordinatim OÜ, registry code 14805167, Tehase tn 1, 74604 Kiiu, Estonia (not VAT registered)
How to read
Each entry: on the left the date, then the mark of the publication or topic, then the publication and page, the event and a link to the article in DIGAR. Newer entries come first. Article titles are given in Estonian with an English translation in brackets; the articles themselves are in Estonian. Labels:
- Juhan Lepik — my father himself and the stories he wrote
- Rekrea — the cooperative and later AS Rekrea
- August Kilk — Rekrea’s methodologist and my father’s comrade-in-arms from Võsu
- Background — general history and family events
Periods: Memory and archive · Rekrea · Lahemaa nature conservationist · Beginnings · Back to the Roots page
Memory and archive1997–2025
After my father’s death: August Kilk’s activities in Võsu, the digitisation of the recordings, my grandfather’s name on the Maarjamäe memorial and the memorial crosses at Ilumäe.
-
05.08.2025
Ilumäe cemetery Background
A memorial cross for Juhan Lepik’s father Aleksander Lepik (1907–1946) and mother Leida Johanna Lepik (1914–1943) is placed in Ilumäe cemetery on the grounds of the former Palmse Manor. All three ring crosses are by the ceramicist Anne Türn; the technical installation was done by the sculptor Aivar Simson (Seaküla Simson). Marge Lepik and Tiit Lepik were also present.
The ring cross on the left is Leida Lepik’s.
-
14.06.2025
August Kilk
August Kilk dies at the age of 89.
Funeral notice: memora.ee/arasaatmisteade/august_kilk
Geni profile: geni.com/people/August-Kilk/6000000219975771841
-
14.06.2024
Maarjamäe memorial Background
On the anniversary of the June deportation, the Day of Mourning, the name of Aleksander Lepik is placed on the Maarjamäe memorial.
-
04.11.2015
Võsu, “Langsepa majad” August Kilk
August Kilk tells his life story. A conversation filmed by Tiit Lepik, beginning with the story of the Kilk family’s migration to Estonia from near St Petersburg. For years August Kilk worked with Juhan Lepik in the tourism cooperative “Rekrea”.
-
01.12.2007
Virumaa Teataja, p. 2 August Kilk
Portrait story: “During his life August Kilk has worked in many places…” (“August Kilk on oma elu jooksul töötanud paljudes kohtades…”)
The full text of this article has not been reviewed. It probably describes both the Rekrea period and the earlier period in the electricity network.
-
26.07.2006
Meie Maa, p. 8 August Kilk
Report on an Esperanto event: “…the Esperanto course led by Stela and August Kilk, and an exhibition of colour postcards from almost all World Esperanto Congresses…”.
-
05.08.2005
Virumaa Teataja, p. 10 Rekrea
Column “10 years ago” — a reprint of a 1995 story about tourism in Virumaa. The last known mention of Rekrea in the Estonian press.
-
05.08.2003
Meie Maa, p. 2 August Kilk
“Olime esperantistide kokkutulekul” (“We were at the Esperantists’ gathering”). Author: Aave Lember.
“The teachers were the lecturer August Kilk from Võsu together with his daughter Stela.”
-
14.02.2002
Virumaa Teataja, p. 1 August Kilk
“Rakvere Gümnaasium rühib suitsupriiks kooliks” (“Rakvere Gymnasium strives to become a smoke-free school”). Author: Aivi Pargi.
“Võsu resident August Kilk, a non-smoker and supporter of the green movement, who watched the children’s protest march from the steps of the shopping centre…”.
-
01.09.1997
Background
By this deadline all operating companies had to be entered in the new Commercial Register; companies that did not apply were deemed compulsorily dissolved from 02.09.1997. Rekrea did not make this transition.
-
21.08.1997
Vaba Eestlane (Canada), p. 7 August Kilk
Report on an Esperanto event; “The chairman of the organising committee was August Kilk, who believes that Esperanto is the only solution to ethnic…”. The programme also included an Esperanto-language service in the Ridala Baptist prayer house.
Rekrea1987–1996
A second working life: the leisure and culture cooperative Rekrea — tourism, cultural management, publishing and trade. At the same time Estonia restores its independence. In 1996 the business passes to Noor Turist.
-
30.03.1996
Virumaa Teataja, p. 16 Rekrea
Advertisement: “AS Noor Turist («Rekrea») invites groups of schoolchildren on 1-, 2- and 3-day bus tours”. The transition to Noor Turist is complete; the Rekrea name still survives in brackets.
-
05.08.1995
Virumaa Teataja, p. 1 Rekrea
“Reisimine mööda Virumaad on elavnenud” (“Travel around Virumaa has picked up”)
Rekrea is named together with Viru Tuur among the tourism companies offering excursions in Virumaa. Linda Kallas, accountant of AS Viru Tuur, comments.
-
07.05.1995
Palmse Juhan Lepik
Juhan Lepik dies in Palmse at the age of 51 (Linnaserehe, Palmse Manor, then Vihula Parish, Lääne-Viru County). Ten months before the Rekrea name disappears from the press.
Source: the family tree on the Geni platform.
No death notice could be found in DIGAR. Checked: “Lepik” in Virumaa Teataja 1995 — 16 hits, none of them his. A full-text search for “Juhan Lepik” for 1994–1997 also gave only one unrelated hit.
-
15.02.1995 / 01.09.1995
Background
The Estonian Commercial Code is adopted (15.02.1995) and enters into force on 01.09.1995. The previous enterprise register is replaced by a court-kept commercial register, and capital requirements are set for public limited companies and private limited companies.
-
1995
Ilumäe cemetery Juhan Lepik
Juhan Lepik’s grave cross is erected.
-
05.11.1994
Postimees, p. 21 Rekrea
Joint advertisement of Rekrea and Noor Turist. The last known joint advertisement.
Summary of the joint advertisements 23.06.–05.11.1994: 18 appearances in five newspapers — Eesti Sõnumid (7), Hommikuleht (5), Postimees (2), Virumaa Teataja (2), Päevaleht (1). Contacts: (22) 45 35 11 and (22) 51 60 48 in Tallinn, (232) 44 870 in Rakvere. Destinations: Sweden, Italy, Greece (Thessaloniki, Athens), Turkey, Tunisia, Cyprus, Germany, the Netherlands.
- 03.11.1994
- 02.11.1994
- 01.11.1994
- 31.10.1994
-
24.09.1994
Virumaa Teataja, p. 8 Rekrea
A message of condolence signed “the staff of AS Rekrea” — the earliest known reference to the cooperative having become a public limited company (AS).
- 06.08.1994
-
05.08.1994
Eesti Sõnumid, p. 4 Rekrea
Joint advertisement of Rekrea and Noor Turist. A trip to Italy on 15–28 September on the route Vienna–Venice–San Marino–Assisi–Rome–Vatican–Florence–Pisa–Garda.
- 30.07.1994
-
28.07.1994
Virumaa Teataja, p. 8 Rekrea
Joint advertisement of Rekrea and Noor Turist. A trip to Sweden (Gothenburg, Stockholm) for 1,750 kroons; information tel. 44870, 22 453511.
- 26.07.1994
- 26.07.1994
- 25.07.1994
- 23.07.1994
- 23.07.1994
- 05.07.1994
- 04.07.1994
- 02.07.1994
-
23.06.1994
Eesti Sõnumid, p. 4 Rekrea
Joint advertisement of Rekrea and Noor Turist. The first known joint advertisement.
-
04.01.1994
Virumaa Teataja, p. 8 Rekrea
An advertisement in which Rekrea appears together with other Rakvere companies (“KEK ELEKTER”, the newspaper “Virulane”).
-
18.12.1993
Õpetajate Leht, p. 2 Rekrea
“Talvine reisimõtisklus ehk jälle see «REKREA»” (“A winter travel reflection, or that «REKREA» again”) — a travel impressions story.
-
02.10.1993
Virumaa Teataja, p. 2 August Kilk
“Võsu vallas (8 mandaati) kandideerivad” (“Candidates in Võsu Parish (8 seats)”) — on the list (103) August Kilk.
-
03.07.1993
Õpetajate Leht, p. 4 Rekrea
Travel story: “We were one of the first groups on the Kotka–Helsinki route announced by the tourism company «Rekrea»”. The Finland route has opened.
- 03.07.1993
-
22.04.1993
Hommikuleht, p. 14 Rekrea
“Väike arv suurfirmasid kontrollib Eesti turismiturgu” (“A small number of large companies control the Estonian tourism market”). Author: Tarmo Müürsepp.
Baltic Tours, the Narva Tourist Bureau, the cooperative Rekrea and the travel agency Virone together sold half of all trips sold in Estonia.
-
20.06.1992
Background
Currency reform — Estonia introduces its own money, the Estonian kroon. On 28 June of the same year the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia is adopted by referendum.
-
07.05.1992
Maaleht, p. 2 August Kilk
“Võsu rahva võit” (“A victory for the people of Võsu”)
The rule of the previous borough elder of Võsu, Enno Harmipaik, came to an end. August Kilk was confirmed as acting borough elder.
-
31.01.1992
Harju Elu, p. 3 August Kilk
“Esperantistide sidemed laienevad” (“The Esperantists’ ties are widening”)
“…tourism activities are organised by August Kilk and Peeter Aitai”.
Notable: at the same time as he works at Rekrea, he also organises the tourism activities of the Estonian Esperanto Association.
-
20.08.1991
Background
Restoration of Estonian independence. The Supreme Council adopts the resolution on the national independence of Estonia; on 6 September the USSR recognises Estonia’s independence.
-
11.04.1991
Maaleht, p. 5 Rekrea
“«REKREA» kutsub BUSSIEKSKURSIOONIDELE: LENINGRADI (õpilastele) aastaringselt” (“«REKREA» invites you on BUS EXCURSIONS: to LENINGRAD (for pupils) all year round”).
-
29.03.1991
Harju Elu, p. 7 Rekrea
Rekrea offers institutions table flags of Harju County and does screen printing and copying — printing services alongside tourism.
-
03.03.1991
Background
Referendum in favour of restoring the national independence of the Republic of Estonia.
-
28.02.1991
Maaleht, p. 14 Rekrea
“Kooperatiiv «REKREA» korraldab 3-päevaseid bussiekskursioone: LENINGRADI (õpilastele). Eestikeelne info ka Leningradis” (“The cooperative «REKREA» organises 3-day bus excursions: to LENINGRAD (for pupils). Information in Estonian in Leningrad too”).
The last known time the name clearly says “cooperative”.
- 23.01.1991
- 20.01.1991
- 17.01.1991
-
06.12.1990
Maaleht, p. 5 Rekrea
“Tellige teid huvitav programm või tantsuansambel kooperatiivi «REKREA» vahendusel” (“Order a programme or dance ensemble that interests you through the cooperative «REKREA»”) — the programme includes “Uduvere pajatused”. Cultural agency work continues alongside tourism.
- 22.11.1990
-
15.11.1990
Maaleht, p. 7 Rekrea
“«REKREA» korraldab õpilastele aastaringi kolmepäevaseid bussiekskursioone LENINGRADI” (“«REKREA» organises three-day bus excursions to LENINGRAD for pupils all year round”).
-
31.05.1990
Meie Elu (Canada), p. 7 Rekrea
[RK] [AK] In the list of members of the Congress of Estonia: “August KILK 9 1935 ERL methodologist of the cooperative «REKREA»” — a Rekrea employee reaches an exile Estonian newspaper.
The only known press source that names, besides Juhan Lepik, another Rekrea employee by name together with his job title.
-
08.05.1990
Background
The Supreme Council restores the name Republic of Estonia and declares a transition period until the restoration of independence.
-
05.05.1990
Säde : lasteleht, p. 2 Rekrea
A children’s story by Lea Arme whose final line is “I’m going too now. Through «Rekrea»!” — the name has become so well known that it works as a joke in a children’s paper.
-
06.04.1990
Reede, p. 5 Rekrea
A note on the cooperation between the cooperatives Rekrea and Dalve on a calendar of cultural history.
-
08.03.1990
Päevaleht, p. 3 August Kilk
“EESTI KONGRESSILE valitud saadikute nimekiri” (“List of delegates elected to the CONGRESS OF ESTONIA”) — August Kilk is on the list.
-
02.11.1989
Noorte Hääl, p. 4 Rekrea
“«Rekrea» abiga võite veeta kolm päeva Leningradis” (“With the help of «Rekrea» you can spend three days in Leningrad”).
-
23.08.1989
Background
The Baltic Way — on the 50th anniversary of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact a human chain links Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius.
-
16.08.1989
Kodumaa : nädalaleht, p. 7 Rekrea
“Thule kutsub Saaremaale” (“Thule invites you to Saaremaa”). Author: Vambola Paavo.
“We cooperate with the Rakvere tourism cooperative «Rekrea», which sends us groups of Estonian residents”.
-
02.07.1989
Edasi (Tartu), p. 5 Rekrea
A literature reference by Sirje Mikelsaar: “Lõhmus, A. Eesti kultuurilooline kalender (Estonian calendar of cultural history). Rakvere: Rekrea, 1989” — evidence that Rekrea was also active as a publisher.
- 04.06.1989
- 25.05.1989
- 20.05.1989
-
19.05.1989
Noorte Hääl, p. 4 Rekrea
A travel advertisement with a telephone number: “tel. in Rakvere 44 2 92 … THULE — REKREA”.
-
11.05.1989
Noorte Hääl, p. 3 Rekrea
“REKREA jätkab ekskursioonide korraldamist LENINGRADI alates septembrikuust” (“REKREA continues organising excursions to LENINGRAD from September”) — the Leningrad route has become a staple.
-
20.04.1989
Noorte Hääl, p. 4 Rekrea
“REISIHUVILISTELE! «THULE» ja «REKREA»…” (“FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO TRAVEL! «THULE» and «REKREA»…”) — the cooperation with Thule becomes public.
-
20.04.1989
Nõukogude Hiiumaa, p. 4 Rekrea
“«REKREA» etendused Hiiumaal: Käinas EPT saalis 24. aprillil” (“«REKREA» performances in Hiiumaa: in Käina, in the EPT hall on 24 April”) — the cultural programme moves around Estonia.
-
23.02.1989
Maaleht, p. 15 August Kilk
“Kivid ja leib” (“Stones and bread”). Author: Vaike Rannet. Second part.
-
16.02.1989
Maaleht, p. 15 August Kilk
“Kivid ja leib” (“Stones and bread”). Author: Vaike Rannet. First part; August Kilk is quoted.
-
1989
Rakvere Rekrea
Rekrea pocket calendar, print run 5,000 copies. It is the source of the name form “Leisure and culture cooperative «Rekrea»”, the logo and the contact details “Rakvere district, Viitna · Telephone: Rakvere 44 292, Tuesdays 10.00—12.00”.
Source: the original object, in the family’s possession.
-
1989–1992
Rekrea
Rekrea’s screen-printing shop. Avo Tomingas did screen printing in the cooperative Rekrea together with his brother Arvo; Avo’s wife was an artist. The work ended when the family moved to Finland.
Source: a photo and explanation sent by Avo Tomingas.
-
28.12.1988
Säde : lasteleht, p. 1 Juhan Lepik
“Päevaraamatut sirvides” (“Leafing through the diary”). Author: Janika Punga.
An overview of the diary of the Lahemaa Young Nature Conservationists’ Club: the cat drawn by Priit Pärn and Olav Ehala’s snatch of melody (1984), Rein Maran’s nature films, orienteering competitions, a quiz tournament, two- and three-day autumn, winter and spring camps in Lahemaa, a trip to Gauja National Park, the emblem “Karjala 87”, study trips to Saaremaa and Vilsandi.
In the text: “The supervisor of the Lahemaa NLK is Juhan Lepik.” Contact address: 202128 Rakvere district, Viitna post office, Juhan Lepik (or Leida Lepik). “Leida is the club’s president and studies geography at the university.”
This entry links two addresses: the contact address of the NLK and of Rekrea is one and the same — the Viitna post office.
-
16.11.1988
Background
The Supreme Council of the Estonian SSR adopts the Declaration of Sovereignty — the first union republic to declare its laws superior to those of the USSR.
-
25.08.1988
Leninlik Lipp (Kohtla-Järve), p. 1 Rekrea
“VIRUMAA FOND” (“THE VIRUMAA FUND”). Author: Jüri Peinar.
The fund received the collection made by the cooperative Rekrea at Virumaa Day in the Tallinn City Hall — 1,905 roubles — and the net proceeds of an art auction.
-
28.05.1988 / 01.07.1988
Background
On 28.05.1988 the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopts the law “On Cooperation in the USSR”, which enters into force on 01.07.1988. Only from this moment is the cooperative a full and legally protected form of enterprise. Rekrea was already operating in January 1988 — so before this law, under some earlier arrangement (probably by decision of the district executive committee).
Source: National Archives fonds list, eha.ee.
-
12.05.1988
Punane Täht, p. 1 Rekrea
“VIRUMAA KLUBI. KES ME OLEME?” (“THE VIRUMAA CLUB. WHO ARE WE?”)
Rekrea is among the founders. Signed by: Tiit Hunt, Valdur Lahtvee, Arvi Põldaas, Aivo Hannus, Peep Veedla, Silver Visnapuu, Raivo Kiis, Ülle Visnapuu, Hille Ainsaar, Hipe Kikas, Aarne Valmis, Ivar Jüssi, Jaanus Rootsi.
-
07.05.1988
Punane Täht, p. 1 Rekrea
[RK] [JL] “REKREA tänab «Virumaa päevadel» osalejaid” (“REKREA thanks the participants of the «Virumaa days»”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
28.04.1988
Maaleht, p. 1 Rekrea
“Iga päevaga tajume üha selgemini, et oleme suutelised ISE” (“Every day we feel more clearly that we are capable OURSELVES”). Author: Agnes Jürgens.
Follow-up on the front page; inside: “This day organised by the Rakvere cooperative «Rekrea» was a long one”.
-
24.04.1988
Tallinn City Hall Rekrea
Virumaa Day — Rekrea’s biggest event. A day of concerts, meetings and an art auction, whose collection went to the Virumaa Fund.
-
14.04.1988
Maaleht, p. 14 Rekrea
“REKREA kutsub pühapäeval, 24. aprillil Tallinna linnahalli VIRUMAA PÄEVALE!” (“REKREA invites you on Sunday, 24 April, to VIRUMAA DAY at the Tallinn City Hall!”)
-
08.04.1988
Background
The Virumaa Fund is created — two weeks before Virumaa Day. Punane Täht wrote on 16.04.1988 that the idea was initiated by Edgar Savisaar and the fund was formed not in the capital but in Virumaa. The reason was the threat of phosphorite mining in Toolse, Kabala and near Rakvere.
-
22.03.1988
Harju Elu, p. 4 Rekrea
[RK] [JL] “TULGE «VIRUMAA PÄEVALE»” (“COME TO «VIRUMAA DAY»”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
Here Rekrea is described as it was then: “The «REKREA» cultural propaganda bureau decided to organise «Virumaa Day» in Tallinn on 24 April”.
-
15.03.1988
Võitlev Sõna (Paide), p. 3 Rekrea
[RK] [JL] “REKREA KUTSUB JÄRVALASI VIRUMAA PÄEVALE” (“REKREA INVITES THE PEOPLE OF JÄRVA TO VIRUMAA DAY”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
18.02.1988
Punane Täht, p. 4 Rekrea
Correction: “A misleading error has crept into the advertisement «REKREA invites you to Virumaa Day»”.
-
13.02.1988
Punane Täht, p. 4 Rekrea
“KUTSUB VIRUMAA PÄEVALE” (“INVITES YOU TO VIRUMAA DAY”) — the first advertisement in the home district newspaper.
-
19.01.1988
Võitlev Sõna (Paide), p. 3 Rekrea
[RK] [JL] “REKREA”. Author: Juhan Lepik, chairman of the cooperative «REKREA».
The earliest known Rekrea hit in DIGAR — five months before the law on cooperation entered into force.
Text: the cooperative has obtained theatre and concert tickets in Tallinn and organised meetings with directors and authors of plays. Between seeing “Pilvede värvid” and “Vaikuse vallamaja” there was a meeting with Jaan Kruusvall; the evening was hosted, with poetry and songs, by Tõnu Tepandi. Transport services are also offered — a bus can be hired for leisure both within the republic and beyond.
Contact: telephone Rakvere 427 48, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10–12; address 202128 Rakvere district, Viitna post office.
-
17.09.1987
Rekrea
[RK] [JL] The leisure services cooperative «REKREA» is founded.
The date comes from Juhan Lepik’s own article in Võitlev Sõna of 19.01.1988: “Under this trademark appears the leisure services cooperative founded on 17 September.”
The most precise founding date in the whole timeline, but from a press source, not a document.
-
21.02.1987
Punane Täht, p. 2 August Kilk
“Nimi — see ongi ajalugu” (“A name is history itself”)
Among those named are August Kilk and Guido Mahkvei; connected with the “Viru säru” festival.
Lahemaa nature conservationist1970–1986
Nature conservation inspector in Rakvere district and in Lahemaa National Park, stories in newspapers, the Young Nature Conservationists’ Club, the Rakvere Travel and Excursion Bureau.
-
27.09.1986
Punane Täht, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Astuvad jalad…, veerevad rattad…” (“Feet walk…, wheels roll…”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
An article for International Tourism Day, written on behalf of the Rakvere Travel and Excursion Bureau. The bureau’s address: 202126 Võsu, Mere tn. 38, telephones 442-92 and 992-93. The bureau is described as “young” — so it was founded around 1985.
Content: cooperation with Lahemaa National Park, certification of hike leaders, ten new nature-themed Lahemaa excursions, training of new excursion guides in October, travel plans for 1987 (Alma-Ata, Baku, Frunze, Irkutsk, Kishinev, Lvov, Petrozavodsk, Volgograd; a boat trip from Krasnoyarsk to Dikson).
Illustration: photo by Enno Kapstas.
The main evidence for the “Võsu travel bureau” period.
-
19.–20.09.1986
Võsu Juhan Lepik
Republican seminar “Nature and tourism”, organised at the Rakvere Travel and Excursion Bureau; all Estonian excursion bureaus took part.
Source: Punane Täht, 27.09.1986.
-
16.07.1986
Säde : lasteleht, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Loodus ja meie” (“Nature and us”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
“In April the Young Nature Conservationists’ Club of the Lahemaa branch of the Estonian Nature Conservation Society received…”. Illustration: the Jaani-Tooma boulder, photo by Leida and Juhan Lepik.
-
12.04.1986
Säde : lasteleht, p. 4 Juhan Lepik
“Looduskaitse klubi kutsub” (“The nature conservation club invites”). Author: Leida Lepik.
Illustration: a study trip in Palmse, photo by Juhan Lepik.
-
19.09.1985
Punane Täht, p. 2 August Kilk
“Juttu Võsu näiteringist” (“About the Võsu drama group”). Author: Ants Holst.
Among the members of the drama group is August Kilk, who “recently celebrated his fiftieth birthday”.
-
22.05.1985
Säde : lasteleht, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Loodusesõbrad olid koos” (“Friends of nature got together”). Author: Leida Lepik.
On 9–10 May nature conservation days were held at the Ojaäärse training base in Lahemaa National Park. A story written by Juhan Lepik’s daughter.
-
12.02.1985
Punane Täht, p. 3 August Kilk
“Esinejaid rohkem kui publikut” (“More performers than audience”). Author: Aarne Valmis.
A review of drama days; August Kilk was named best male actor for the role of an old fisherman — “the acting was soulful, convincing and well drawn”.
-
20.10.1984
Säde : lasteleht, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Loodusehuvilistele” (“For those interested in nature”)
“Two years ago the Young Nature Conservationists’ Club was founded at the Lahemaa branch of the Estonian Nature Conservation Society.” An invitation to new members.
-
1984
Juhan Lepik
The animation master Priit Pärn and the composer Olav Ehala visit the NLK. Pärn draws a cat in the club diary, Ehala writes a snatch of melody under the cat.
Source: Säde, 28.12.1988.
-
13.08.1983
Punane Täht, p. 2 August Kilk
“Majata perenaine” (“A hostess without a house”). Author: Merle Rips.
A story about the Võsu drama group. August Kilk is among those named.
-
03.02.1983
Harju Elu, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Looduslaager Lahemaal” (“Nature camp in Lahemaa”). Author: Juhan Lepik. The same story in the Harju County newspaper.
-
20.01.1983
Punane Täht, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Looduslaager Lahemaal” (“Nature camp in Lahemaa”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
1983
Tallinn: Eesti Raamat Juhan Lepik
“Võsu õpperada. Sisering” (“Võsu study trail. Inner circle”) — Heiki Rips, Juhan Lepik.
Publisher: the Economic Research Laboratory of the Estonian Research Institute of Forestry and Nature Conservation. Printed by Ühiselu. 20 pages, illustrated with diagrams and photographs (photos E. Kask), designer A. Mesikäpp. ESTER record b1163783.
This record contains the first independent confirmation of his year of birth: the ESTER author record reads “Lepik, Juhan, 1943– author”.
-
1982
Juhan Lepik
The Young Nature Conservationists’ Club (NLK) of the Lahemaa branch of the Estonian Nature Conservation Society is founded. Juhan Lepik is its supervisor. The year of founding follows from the wording in Säde of 20.10.1984: “Two years ago… was founded”.
-
26.12.1981
Punane Täht, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Mõni sõna ühest loomevormist” (“A few words about one form of creation”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
14.03.1981
Punane Täht, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Talvisel Lahemaal” (“In wintry Lahemaa”). Author: Juhan Lepik. Third part.
-
12.03.1981
Punane Täht, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Talvisel Lahemaal” (“In wintry Lahemaa”). Author: Juhan Lepik. Second part.
-
07.03.1981
Punane Täht, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Talvisel Lahemaal” (“In wintry Lahemaa”). Author: Juhan Lepik. The first part of a three-part story.
-
08.03.1980
Nõukogude Õpetaja, p. 3 August Kilk
Notice of Esperanto courses; the teachers are August Kilk and Vyacheslav Khromov.
-
12.08.1978
Edasi (Tartu), p. 2 August Kilk
“Esperantistide loodusseminar Kehras” (“Esperantists’ nature seminar in Kehra”). Author: Benita Kärt.
“…the successful nature photographs of the seminar leader August Kilk”.
-
13.07.1978
Noorte Hääl, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Külastaja ja rahvuspark” (“The visitor and the national park”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
- 08.06.1978
-
13.04.1978
Noorte Hääl, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Pilk kulisside taha” (“A look behind the scenes”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
04.04.1978
Noorte Hääl, p. 1 Juhan Lepik
“Kaitsealad on meie ühine varandus” (“Protected areas are our common wealth”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
An article on the nature conservation provisions of the draft new constitution of the Estonian SSR, the quality of protected areas and visitor pressure. It ends with the signature “Juhan Lepik, nature conservation inspector of Lahemaa National Park” — the clearest documentary evidence of his post.
- 02.03.1978
-
12.01.1978
Noorte Hääl, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Mis on rahvuspark?” (“What is a national park?”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
17.11.1977
Noorte Hääl, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Lahemaal «õlga alla» panemas” (“Lending a shoulder in Lahemaa”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
17.09.1977
Õhtuleht, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Lahemaa rahvuspark” (“Lahemaa National Park”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
Illustrated with his own photographs, including the musicians of the Lahemaa National Park ethnographic ensemble.
-
08.09.1977
Noorte Hääl, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Ring ümber looduse” (“A circle around nature”). Author: Juhan Lepik. With his own photograph.
- 02.08.1977
-
27.07.1977
Noorte Hääl, p. 3 Juhan Lepik
“Haigeks tallatud mets” (“A forest trampled sick”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
21.05.1977
Punane Täht, p. 1 Juhan Lepik
“Šeffidena Ilumäe kolhoosis” (“As patrons at the Ilumäe collective farm”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
17.03.1977
Noorte Hääl, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Hetkmuljeid Gauja rahvuspargist” (“Snapshots from Gauja National Park”). Author: Juhan Lepik.
-
1976
Palmse Juhan Lepik
Family photo in front of Linnaserehe. Juhan Lepik with his son Tiit and daughter Leida in front of Linnaserehe in the old building complex of Palmse Manor. This was the official flat of Juhan Lepik, who worked as a nature conservation inspector in Lahemaa National Park.
-
23.11.1972
Edasi (Tartu), p. 4 August Kilk
“Esperantouudiseid” (“Esperanto news”). Author: J. Palu.
“In Valga the guests were welcomed by August Kilk, representative of the Tallinn Esperantists, who joined the trip as interpreter.”
-
09.03.1972
Ühistöö (Rapla), p. 1 August Kilk
“Esperantoõhtu” (“Esperanto evening”). Author: M. Abramson.
An evening of the Rapla Esperanto circle; “the soul of the evening was the circle’s teacher, August Kilk from Tallinn”.
-
01.06.1971
Background
Lahemaa National Park is founded — the first national park in Estonia and in the whole Soviet Union. The first director was Ilmar Epner, deputy director Arne Kaasik. The driving forces behind its creation were Jaan Eilart and Edgar Tõnurist.
-
07.05.1970
Punane Täht, p. 2 Juhan Lepik
“Teravat sulge ja silma!” (“A sharp pen and a sharp eye!”). Author: N. Rusalepp, head of the newspaper’s letters department.
An overview of the newspaper’s contributors written for Press Day. Juhan Lepik is named as a nature conservation inspector, and together with the writers Osvald Tooming and Ott Kool he leads the nature conservation material.
The earliest known trace. The entry is a year before the founding of Lahemaa National Park — so he was already a nature conservation inspector at district level.
Beginnings1943–1969
Birth in Viljandi during the war, the fate of his parents, school and studies.
-
1964
Background
The Jäneda school is renamed Jäneda Sovkhoz Technical School (previously, 1949–1964, Jäneda Agricultural Technical School).
Source: Jäneda põllutöökeskkool I (Särekanno 2004), summarised in Järva Teataja in 2004.
-
1963
Background
The EPA faculty is renamed the Faculty of Forestry and Land Improvement. This is the name that would be on Juhan Lepik’s diploma if he graduated in 1963 or later.
-
1961
Background
At Tartu State University the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is abolished and the Faculty of Biology and Geography is opened, with a separate Department of Geography — where Marge Lepik later studied.
-
1958
Background
At the EPA the Faculty of Forest Management and the Faculty of Land Management and Hydromelioration are merged into the Faculty of Forest Management and Hydromelioration.
-
1958
Background
The State Design Institute “Eesti Põllumajandusprojekt” is formed under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Estonian SSR — later Marge Lepik’s workplace.
-
01.01.1951
Background
By order of the USSR Minister of Higher Education (based on the resolution of the USSR Council of Ministers of 04.11.1950), the Estonian Agricultural Academy is created on the basis of the faculties of agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine of Tartu State University. Teaching begins on 1 September 1951.
Source: National Archives fonds list, historical note of fonds EAA.5387.
-
1946
Komi ASSR Background
Juhan Lepik’s father Aleksander Lepik (b. 1907) dies in the Komi ASSR. The Estonian Institute of Historical Memory researched his fate for years; it was established that France handed him over to the Soviet Union as a soldier of the 46th Waffen-SS Grenadier Regiment.
-
10.07.1943
Viljandi Juhan Lepik
Juhan Lepik is born. His mother Leida Johanna Lepik (née Juhani, b. 1914) dies in childbirth.
Source: the family tree on the Geni platform.
Source
The timeline was compiled by Claude (an AI tool) under the guidance of Tiit Lepik in August 2026 and converted for the web on 17.10.2026. The entries are based on newspaper articles in DIGAR, ESTER records, the family tree on Geni and data from the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory. The English version is a machine translation made with Claude (Anthropic).